The USS Irex SS–482: Launching first day cover and launch tag

Picture of a Launch Tag for the Irex from 1945. Official launching party tags were issued to naval personnel and civilian employees authorized to launch boats from the ship ways. They were only issued for launches of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard submarines from either Portsmouth, NH or Kittery, Maine.

Glenn Faus sends the picture of a cover prepared to commemorate the launch of the Irex on 26 January 1945 (a “first-day cover"). Note, however, that the cancellation was on 25th, although it seems the launch was the next day. Also, the post office was in Kittery, Maine, where the launching took place, which is just opposite Portsmouth, New Hampshire.